An escalation clause is a real estate contract, sometimes called an escalator, that lets a home buyer say: "I will pay x price for this home. Arizona REALTORS® Best Practices View the New and Revised Sample Forms that will be released on August 1st, 2024.An escalation clause is a rider written into a purchase offer to assist an individual in beating out competing offers in real estate. Let's say there's an escalation clause in what is accepted as a backup offer. An escalation clause is an addendum submitted in a multiple-offer situation to improve the odds that you will outbid other buyers. You can just try to increase your purchase price through escalation addendums. Or you can do it with the appraisals. Escalation clauses are a standard contractual tool for any broker helping a buyer through a competitive market. An escalation clause is a stipulation in a real estate contract that increases a buyer's offer based on competing offers. What is an Escalation Clause in Real Estate?